This week’s SATURDAY SIX is a very special one. A little over a year ago I was introduced to the Disney Hipsters podcast via the TouringPlans Podcast Network and I became an immediate fan. They are refreshingly different from the seemingly hundreds of Disney podcasts out there that just recite Disney press releases and while they have a true […]

This week’s SATURDAY SIX is a very special one. A little over a year ago I was introduced to the Disney Hipsters podcast via the TouringPlans Podcast Network and I became an immediate fan. They are refreshingly different from the seemingly hundreds of Disney podcasts out there that just recite Disney press releases and while they have a true passion for Walt Disney World they never shy away from pointing out the bad along with the good. When they announced their first ever trip to the Universal Orlando Resort earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to get their unique perspective on the theme parks and staying onsite after years of being “Disney Only” fans. Today Disney Hipster Adam Ferretti is here to examine six of the assumptions they had about Universal before going on the trip and whether or not they held up after the vacation. As always, clicking on any picture will open up its full size version, so with that out of the way I will see you, Dear Reader, at the end of the article and hand the reigns over to Adam…

The Disney Hipsters, Andrew and Adam, with Krusty the Clown.

As Disney nerds going into Universal, we had tons of preconceived notions on what to expect. We thought we would discuss six of those assumptions.

ASSUMPTION # 6 – Universal Team Members Would be Inferior to Disney Cast Members

This assumption was very wrong. As a rule, the team members were super friendly, helpful and amazing. We expected the customer service aspect and general employee/guest interactions at Universal to be less than great. We ended up being really surprised by the enthusiasm of the team members at both the parks and our resort (Royal Pacific.) This was especially true of performers inside both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Universal pays their team members a bit better (we have heard) and gives them more freedom when doing their jobs. This results in guest interactions that come off as way more genuine along with performances that were truly engaging (check out the hosts of Disaster or the Horror Make Up show for great examples.) Disney is more controlling on Cast Member behavior, including what they can and cannot say. Sometimes this makes Cast Members seem like they’re faking it, resulting in their performances being generally stale and boring (see The Great Movie Ride).

Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show. (photo by Trygve Nelson)

Pizza from Luigis and tater tots from Cletus’ Chicken Shack at Fast Food Blvd. (photo by The Disney Hipsters)

ASSUMPTION # 5 – Universal Still Rocks “Theme Park Food”

This one is totally true. At some point, Disney figured out that they could draw longer stays/more visits from adult guests if they increased the quality of food and tried to make food for every diet. They continually get better and better on this front and its one of the reasons we visit so much.

Universal has not learned this yet. During our visit, I was brought back to Disney World circa 2002 when all I could eat was veggie burgers, horrible pizza and French fries (we are both vegetarian). Universal seems to have a million little dining locations, but all of them seem to serve the same bad frozen pizza like pizza. Also…boo for the complete lack of vegetarian food at Three Broomsticks.

Andddddd Mythos… All the Universal folks kept telling us it was rated “the best theme park restaurant in the world.” They forgot to mention that this quote was of questionable origin and was first written 10+ years ago. The sign outside proclaiming this fact should tip you off going in. If something is good, it speaks for itself. You don’t need a sign to tell people how good your food is. That being said, if you love Applebee’s, you’ll love Mythos. We do not love Applebee’s.

Mythos and its infamous sign. (photo by Brandon Glover)

I do need to mention the big exception that was Emeril’s Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific. It’s a great restaurant and we highly recommend it. Make sure you buy one of their super cool Tiki mugs.

This assumption is completely debunked. We can only speak to the Royal Pacific Resort, but we really loved it. Its slightly less themed than most Disney deluxe resorts, but was it still lovely. We’d also like to give a big A+ for the staff at Royal Pacific. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here and now plan on hitting up Loews hotels when we travel to other cities.

The Royal Pacific Resort’s Orchid Court. (photo by Brandon Glover)

View from the Royal Pacific shows Hogwarts Castle in the background. (photo by Brandon Glover)

The Disney Hipsters take a ride on Suess Landing’s Caro-Seuss-el.

ASSUMPTION #3 – The Background Music at Universal is the Worst

This one is pretty much true. If you don’t know much about us, we are majorly obsessed with background music. We consider it the largest defining factor in why Disney parks feel so special. This is one additional area (in addition to dining) that Universal could learn something from Disney. The loops were lackluster, unbalanced and lacked transition as a rule. There were definitely a few exceptions such as Hogsmeade and Port of Entry, but overall they were blah.

ASSUMPTION #2 – Universal is technologically superior

I’ll give this one to Universal; however, this doesn’t always translate into fun. I’m an engineer the real world, and the seamless way they’re able to synch physical movement to projected footage is pretty incredible. Automation at that level is difficult to achieve. That being said, we were very impressed with this the first time we experienced it. And then another, and another, and another…you get the idea. It quickly got old and we quickly got nauseas. My opinion on this can be boiled down to these three statements:

Screens, screens, and more screens.

Screens are cold. Practical effects are warm and inviting. People (generally) just don’t connect with screens like they do to physical effects.

Universal is a one trick pony. It’s an impressive trick, but they need a new one.

“Humans, follow me to even more screens!” (photo by Brandon Glover)

ASSUMPTION #1 – Universal and Disney Theme Parks Can Be Compared

We are constantly hearing people fighting about if Universal or Disney parks are better/worse than each other, and now that we’ve really experienced both, I don’t get it. The world is a better place with both of them in it. Both have great things, both have terrible things. It’s just a fact of life. If you are going to compare anything, compare Disney to Disney and Universal to Universal.

Popeye’s Bilge Rat barges. If you like Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom, you’re going to love this. (photo by Mike Sperduto)

So there you have it: The Disney Hipsters Examine Six of Their Assumptions about the Universal Orlando Resort. The Hipsters will be making their way back to UOR shortly to experince Diagon Alley for the first time and possibly some of the CityWalk venues such as Antojitos. We’ll check back with them on a later date to see how it went.See you next weekend for the latest edition of the SATURDAY SIX, where we are going to look at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights and see if it’s indeed better than Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. After that, FINALLY, the one we’ve been promising forever…. a look at the attractions in the Orlando area outside of the Mouse House and Potterworld. Yes, such things do exist. If you had fun, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out the Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast.

Special thanks to crack staff photographer Brandon Glover for his invaluable assistance in this article. I’d also like to thank one of the icons of theme park photography, Tom Bricker of DisneyTouristBlog.com, along with photo wunderkind Mike Sperduto, Trygve Nelson of the awesome Around the Universe photo reports over at Orlando United, and of course The Disney Hipsters Adam and Andrew. I can not recommend their blog or podcast enough as these are two of the most talented guys I know. Also check out Andrew’s musical talents on the EP Let’s Move to Disney World! It’s available on iTunes and Amazon and has several fantastic songs including my favorite, “30 seconds to Wishes.” It may not be for everyone, but if you read the SATURDAY SIX it is more than likely for you, so be sure to check it out.

Earlier this month Universal Studios Florida opened a new store called The Film Vault which offers products featuring a wide assortment of fan favorite Universal properties including Ghostbusters, King Kong, The Godfather, Back to the Future and more. The store is located across from Transformers: The Ride 3-D and replaces the Delancey Street Preview Center, where […]

Earlier this month Universal Studios Florida opened a new store called The Film Vault which offers products featuring a wide assortment of fan favorite Universal properties including Ghostbusters, King Kong, The Godfather, Back to the Future and more. The store is located across from Transformers: The Ride 3-D and replaces the Delancey Street Preview Center, where guests were used as test audiences for upcoming television shows. The preview center has been moved closer to the front of the park near Schwab’s Pharmacy.

The Film Vault (photo by Seth Kubersky)

The Film Vault (photo by Brandon Glover)

The Film Vault does offer some generic “Universal Studios” items, but the vast majority of the products are cherry picked from other attraction gift shops or exclusive to the store.

The Film Vault (photo by Brandon Glover)

E.T. and the Speak and Spell (photo by Brandon Glover)

This King Kong plush is from the King Kong 360 attraction out in Universal Studios Hollywood.

Ol’ banana breath himself (photo by Brandon Glover)

There are a whole bunch of Back to the Future related items.

“There’s that word again. Heavy. Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the Earth’s gravitational pull?”- Dr. Emmett Brown, Back to the Future (photo by Brandon Glover)

This Ecto-1A replica from Ghostbusters II is incredibly detailed ($110)

Ecto-1A (photo by Brandon Glover)

“I tried to think of the most harmless thing. Something I loved from my childhood. Something that could never ever possibly destroy us. Mr. Stay Puft!”- Ray Stantz, Ghostbusters

Items for The Big Lebowski was a nice surprise.

Jurrasic Park merchandise.

“You stood on the shoulders of geniuses to accomplish something as fast as you could, and before you even knew what you had, you patented it, and packaged it, and slapped it on a plastic lunchbox, and now” – Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park (photo by Brandon Glover)

Jaws, Psycho, The Godfather, American Graffiti, Blues Brothers and Animal House products. Last year I wrote an article on the Top 6 Gift Shops at Universal Studios Florida and I think it’s time to revisit that list soon because between Diagon Alley‘s Borgin and Burkes and The Film Vault, there looks to be some new sheriffs in town. Filled with awesome properties like Back to the Future, Ghostbusters and the Fast & the Furious, The Film Vault is the store I have wanted to see in Universal for years and it is finally here.

“Well, this is not a boat accident! And it wasn’t any propeller; and it wasn’t any coral reef; and it wasn’t Jack the Ripper! It was a shark.” – Matt Hooper, Jaws (photo by Brandon Glover)

“It’s not like my mother is a maniac or a raving thing. She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven’t you?” – Norman Bates, Psycho (photo by Brandon Glover)

“What? Over? Did you say “over”? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!” – Bluo, Animal House (photo by Brandon Glover)

The perfect shirt to wear and glasses to drink from when you are put on double secret probation.

“It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark… and we’re wearing sunglasses.” – Elwood Blues, The Blues Brothers

This week’s SATURDAY SIX looks at the Top Six Photo Connect Experiences at Universal. I personally feel that the Photo Connect Star Card is – hands down – the best value in any of Orlando’s theme parks. For $59.95 you get every on-ride photo, every meet and greet photo, all the special Photo Connect “hot sets” […]

This week’s SATURDAY SIX looks at the Top Six Photo Connect Experiences at Universal. I personally feel that the Photo Connect Star Card is – hands down – the best value in any of Orlando’s theme parks. For $59.95 you get every on-ride photo, every meet and greet photo, all the special Photo Connect “hot sets” like Sneetch Beach in Seuss Landing and the Daily Bugle front page photo at the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Manand any picture taken by one of the photographers in front of the parks. I can talk about the Star Card package all day long, so just do yourselves a favor and buy it for your next trip to the parks. Anyhoo, here’s a look at the top six Photo Connect Experiences at the Universal Orlando Resort…

# 1 – Transformers Meet and Greet

Megatron

Transformers: The Ride-3D, itself, is incredible, but the attached Supply Vault gift store is no slouch, either, offering a ton of unique and exclusive Transformers merchandise (including the chocolate Allspark, EVAC action figure, and pressed pennies). But what might be the biggest “wow” moment overall is meeting the Transformers, themselves. Located directly across from the attraction is a special Photo Connect picture area. Completely themed to the government run N.E.S.T. look that the ride building has, this area allows you to meet and take pictures with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron. Seeing these incredible walk-around characters in person is one thing, but seeing them walk around is another. Jaw dropping. Rumor is that Universal spent over $20,000 for each one of these suits, and you can see every single penny spent.

Be sure to head to the Photo Connect counter after having your picture taken to ask for the special Autobot and Decepticon borders that can be added onto the pictures.

Be sure to ask at the Photo Connect counter after the ride for the lasers to be added in, and – if there are any empty seats in your ride vehicle – ask for the spots to be filled up with aliens and/or MIB agents.

# 3 – Donkey (with Shrek and Fiona)

Fiona, Donkey, and Shrek

One of the absolute most underrated gems of Universal Studios Florida is just standing back and watching Donkey interact with guests during his meet and greet located outside Shrek 4-D. Think Turtle Talk with Crush, except Donkey is hilarious. Sometimes you’ll just have Donkey for the photo, while other times both Shrek and/or Fiona will join in. Not only will you enjoy your time with Donkey, but hang around and share a laugh while others have their turn.

# 3 – The E.T. Adventure Gift Shop photos

Several of Universal’s attractions don’t have on-ride photos, but most of them have interesting pictures you can take either in the queue or outside the attraction. E.T. Adventure is the last man standing from the good ol’ days of Universal Studios Florida. It was an opening day attraction and is the only one left form that era. The forest queue is – to this day – one of the best in any theme park. The ride itself is a favorite of mine. The first half recreates the moments from the E.T. film while the second half is like a bizarre acid trip from Steven Spielberg and shows us E.T.’s home planet.

While E.T. Adventure has no on-ride photo, it has two opportunities in the attractions gift shop. There is one photo op set set up where you can get on a bike with E.T. in the front basket. The other set is a closet in which one or two people can sit with E.T. The people working inside the gift shop are pretty strict when it comes to trying to take your own pictures of either of these two sets, but the good news is that both pictures are included with the Star Card package.

# 2 – The Simpsons Couch Gag

The newest Photo Connect experience is already one of the best. Outside of The Simpsons Ride, guests take a seat on the iconic Simpsons couch (which is MUCH harder than it looks) and take their picture in front of a green screen. Given directions on how to “act,” three photos are taken, and afterwards the Photo Connect employees add in the backgrounds. There are six different backgrounds available: the standard Simpsons living room, Kang and Kodos looking at you as part of their “Earth Family” zoo, two sharks circling you (pictured), burglars carrying you away, and a Vegas-style photo that has elephants, magicians, dancers, and more. Because all photos are included with your Star Card package, you can get them all!

# 1 – Spider-Man Comic Book Photo

Spider-Man!

I love everything about this photo op. The picture is actually taken across the street from the Adventures of Spider-Man ride and, like the Simpsons couch gag photo, it is taken in front of a green screen. Like at the Donkey meet and greet, Spider-Man takes time to talk to each guest, and this can provide a really special moment for kids. But the best part is this picture is put out as a cover of a comic book. Just perfect for Marvel Super Hero Island. Beyond perfect. Be sure to ask at the Photo Connect counter for them to add the webbing in.

One last plug to head over to AmazingPictures.com and get the Star Card package for your next Universal trip (you can also get it while inside either park). If you’re a fan of photos, like my family is, you’ll be blown away by how much is included with this package, not to mention there is a free app for your smart phone (iPhone and Android), which gives you immediate access to your pictures in order for you to send to people or share on social media.

Welcome to The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! This month we’re going to look at Universal’s Uni-Minis. Similar in size to Disney’s popular Vinylmation, Uni-Minis differ in a couple ways. While the vast majority of Vinylmations are repainted versions of the classic Mickey mold, almost all of the Uni-Minis are more in line with Disney’s Park […]

Welcome to The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! This month we’re going to look at Universal’s Uni-Minis.

Similar in size to Disney’s popular Vinylmation, Uni-Minis differ in a couple ways. While the vast majority of Vinylmations are repainted versions of the classic Mickey mold, almost all of the Uni-Minis are more in line with Disney’s Park Starz series, which eschews the traditional Mickey form and instead lets the artists create whatever they want. The Uni-Minis do have their version of the Mickey mold, and it is in the form of a generic looking bear. These figures are usually limited editions and produced for specific events like Grad Bash or Mardi Gras.

Haunted Mansion Bride from Disney’s Park Starz next to Minion from Universal’s Uni-Minis

The heft of a Uni-Mini is also slightly less than a Vinylmation. At $12.95 per figure (same as a standard Vinylmation), the Uni-Minis feel flimsier than their Disney counterpart, although the style of each figure is closer to the $18.95 Park Starz series. There is articulation in both the head and arms of almost all the Uni-Minis.

The current line-up of Uni-Minis that are available includes:

The Cat in the Hat

E.T.

Bart Simpson

Spongebob Squarepants

Woody Woodpecker

Chilly Willy

Betty Boop

Generic 2013

Generic film strip

Grad Bash 2013

Mardi Gras 2013

The Minion character has not be available for purchase for the past several months. There was a limited edition Uni-Mini produced for Halloween Horror Nights 22 last year that is also sold out.

A selection of Uni-Minis. Note the bizarre Spongebob Squarepants based one directly in the middle.

All of the Uni-Minis area available in the main gift stores at the front of both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, along with the Universal store within CityWalk. Many of the characters can also be found individually in the gift stores associated with their character; f0r example, the Kwik-E-Mart sells Bart Simpson, the E.T. Adventure gift shop sells E.T., and Spongebob Storepants sells the bizarre pineapple head version of Spongebob.

Unlike Disney, which puts out press releases, artwork, and information on various releases of Vinylmation months before they hit the shelves, it is almost impossible to find out any info on the Uni-Minis. I wrote back in August that I noticed the Cat in the Hat Uni-Mini had showed up out of nowhere, and when I talked to several employees of the various stores (including one manager), they all said that no one lets them know when new Uni-Minis are going to arrive. They also couldn’t give an answer as to whether or not the Minion figure would ever be back in stock.

Overall I’m a huge fan of the Uni-Minis, just as I am of the Park Starz series of Vinylmations from Disney. I think, for the most part, they look great with E.T., Chilly Willy, and the new Cat in the Hat being the standouts. There is also a lot of potential in this brand as we could possibly see Uni-Minis based on characters currently inside the parks (Transformers, Gru from Despicable Me, The Lorax) and even ones that are gone but not forgotten (King Kong, Doc Brown).